The Mississippi Mission of Mercy project was held at the Jackson Convention Complex on July 15th and 16th, 2011 (Friday and Saturday). 179 dentists, 27 dental hygienists, 65 dental assistants and well over 200 community volunteers gave their time and shared their talents and skills with the hundreds of patients who gathered at the convention center to stand in long lines even before 6:00 a.m. on both days in hopes of receiving free dental treatment. Fillings and extractions were provided to adults in need. Exams, cleanings, sealants, crowns and other restorative care treatments were provided to children, all at no cost.

By the time the clinic shut down late Saturday afternoon, a total of 1,435 patients had been treated and the preliminary figures note $654,000 in free dental care provided. WOW!! Once again, our Mississippi dentists stepped up and responded by giving back. Patient after patient expressed sincere appreciation for the treatment that had been freely provided for them. In turn, our volunteers heard story after story of personal struggles and tragedies, financial challenges related to physical disabilities and unemployment situations that created barriers for them in seeking and obtaining dental care.

Here is an email message our office received just this morning from a patient:Dear MDA,

I was a patient at the Mission of Mercy event held in Jackson at the convention center. Dr. Charles (he is referring to Dr. Charles Smith from Ocean Springs) and his assistant went above and beyond my expectations. They were able to fix teeth that have been hurting me for quite some time. I was impressed with the organization and timely manner of the event. The staff and volunteers made the experience a good one, considering my fear of dentists. My teeth turned out great, and I am no longer in any pain. I cannot thank your organization enough for volunteering services I would have not been able to afford.

Thank you again,Garland Hover

The MDA (Mississippi Dental Association) thanks ALL of our volunteers who made this project possible and in turn helped so many. As a result there are a lot of Mississippians who are now in a much improved state of oral health. Our MS MOM volunteers truly made a difference!!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”